We are crying out for a bit of extra-strength in the Celtic midfield and Tomoki Iwata is the man we need back in the team…
It’s plain to see that our midfield lacks an enforcer type, someone who can play a bit while having a bit of dig about them. We already have that man in our squad and his name is Tomoki Iwata.
Tomoki was looking like the player we all knew he could be before pulling up with an injury in the Champions League clash with Feyenoord at Celtic Park in December. He looked sharp and bright in the previous games he played and was beginning to look like he was going to make that midfield spot his own.
Unfortunately he’s been absent since, but now he’s back to full fitness and was on the bench for Saturday’s draw at home to Kilmarnock. With the game crying out for some added strength in the middle of the park, it was bewildering that Brendan Rodgers didn’t put the Japanese international on to shore up that problem.
Iwata is a defensive midfielder, it’s his job and he is comfortable doing it. He’s played that position his entire career and was named J league Player of the Year before he joined Celtic.
More importantly he’s proven he can do it in our side. He’s a very intelligent player and one who knows how to do his job. We are crying out for a player like Tomoki in our side, but just like everything else Brendan Rodgers just refuses to see it.
The Celtic Star has been arguing for a return to the diamond midfield that Rodgers used effectively on occasion during his first spell at the club. And with ALL of the wingers at the club either not in contention – and how far has James Forrest fallen down the pecking order if he can’t get selected ahead of those four who wasted our time on Saturday afternoon? – or just plain rotten, then an alternative should be found QUICKLY.
A diamond midfield allows Tomoki to sit deep, freeing up Callum McGregor to play in his best position further ahead and it also brings Paulo Bernardo back into the team after he lost his place, rather unfairly, to accommodate Adam Idah in the team. Ralston and Taylor in the fullback roles can push forward when appropriate. Surely that’s better than that 4-3-3 safety first football which at the weekend had us shooting the wrong way in the closing stages.
Over to you Brendan.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Yes looks good on paper but Rodgers is so fixed on his tactics but bernida was so out of position Joe Hart should have pulled him up yes Joe brought off two good saves from set pieces Joe Hart seemed surprised by Kilmarnock player at far post but the midfield was chasing a second goal cheers on by our support McGinnes must have been happy to hear our support growning when ball pass backed we played right into his tactics yes midfielder we missed several chances I’m the game I think players are down by what’s happening to abda get these Palestinian flag where they belong and not at a football match
I do not believe that nobody has mentioned Ralston not moving out to try to stop the cross. Bernabie was there but slight push in the back was enough to put him off.
McGregor was terrible the second half passes were awful, Reilly had so many chances for many games now but has difficulty finishing also some of his passes were not good,
Palma gets lots of stick but he pulls at least two players to him when he is on the ball.
where is Lagerbielke. why not give him a chance. Not even on the bench but stopped his transfer to Italy because they need him due to Carter Vickers injury.